Dear Students:

This year has been fantastic!  It is hard to believe that it is coming to an end.  On this last day of school, I want you to know that you and your classmates have amazed me in SO MANY ways.

I have talked to some of you often.  Some of you have avoided talking to me at all costs.  Some of you have shared your joys with me and made me laugh.  Others have shared heartbreaking experiences that made me cry.  Some of you have poured your thoughts and feelings into your writing.  Some of you have worked to overcome your fears so that you can begin to reach your dreams and goals.

Some of you have made me very proud this year.  Some of you have frustrated me, but only because I want you to see in yourself the potential that I see in you.

Some of you have found online school to be your perfect match.  Some of you are just learning what online education is all about.

Some of you have discovered yourselves this year.  Some of you have become leaders.  Some of you have excelled at helping others.  Some of you are still finding your unique place in the world, and that is okay, too.

All of you made progress in some way.  And that is what matters most.

Before you turn off your computer for the summer, write yourself a note to read on the first day of school next year.  Remind yourself how you feel RIGHT NOW.  Remind yourself what you did well this year and what you want to improve.  Remind yourself of a few rules that you want to set for next year – and WHY.  Remind yourself that Mrs. Ware believes in you.  Read your note in August, and then post it where you can see it every day.  Next year will come with the same distractions and temptations, maybe even more, so it will be important to follow your own advice.

Most importantly, believe in yourself.  I will miss you next year, but I know that you must move forward in order to accomplish the great things that your life has in store.  Stop holding yourself hostage.  Stop letting your fears hold you back.  LET YOURSELF do great things.  Give yourself permission to DO better.  Give yourself permission to BE better.  Give yourself permission to BE SUCCESSFUL, even if no one else is telling you that it can happen.

IT CAN HAPPEN.

BELIEVE IT.

WORK TOWARD IT.

And be sure to tell me what you accomplish!

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to teach you.  Thank you for a great year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ware